Container filling machine



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CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE Fil ad March 17, 1967 Sheet A or 13 v INVENTOR. woe/141v A. 1:620

BY Z/J f Arman Q6 United States Patent ;ce

3,445,984 CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE Norman A. Kelly, Wayne Township, Kosciusko County,

Ind., assignor to Haskon, Inc., Warsaw, Ind., a corporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 17, 1967, Ser. No. 623,939 Int. Cl. B65b 57/10, 61/26; B65g 25/04 U.S. CI. 53-59 20 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The filling machine comprises a frame upon which a container support is mounted for horizontal reciprocation between an empty container, infeed conveyor and a filled container discharge conveyor. The containers move with the support as it moves toward the discharge conveyor. An adjustable grid is supported upon said base frame for movement into and out of a position of engagement with the containers on the support so that said containers are held against movement with said support when it moves toward said infeed conveyor. A drive mechanism is connected to the grid and coordinated with the movements of the support so that the containers are advanced in a stepwise fashion through a series of stations. A plurality of discharge nozzles are connected to a supply of fluid material and arranged to fill a plurality of containers simultaneously when said containers are located in selected stations upon the support. Capping means is located at a station following the container filling stations for capping the filled containers. Container-marking devices are also provided to identify the time and/or date of filling the containers.

This invention relates to a container filling machine and, more particularly, to a type thereof which has a high production capacity, which includes a relatively simple and durable drive mechanism, which can be cleaned easily, which is adapted for filling large or small containers made of a flexible material and in which the moving parts are protected against the spilling of fluids thereon.

Many different types of machines have been used for filling and thereafter capping various types of containers. However, the machines used for filling and capping relatively large containers, such as gallon jugs used for distributing milk and other edible liquids, have not been entirely satisfactory. For example, such machines have not been particularly suited for use with thin-walled, plastic containers which are relatively flexible. Moreover, existing machines have been built on the age-old principle of one filling and capping line per machine. Moreover, particularly in large dairies, to which reference is made for illustrative purposes only, the demand and need for increasing the output of filled containers per unit space available for the filling and capping machinery has increased steadily unitil it has become many times as great as the demand that existed or years ago. Moreover, the number of personnel needed to operate and maintain filling and capping machines and to perform related tasks must be reduced in order to reduce costs.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is the provision of an automatic machine for receiving, filling, capping and discharging containers, in which the containers are moved through the machine simultaneously in a plurality of lines, whereby the size of the machine is increased only a minor amount over the size of earlier machines in which only a single line of containers is moved through the machine.

A further object of this invention is the provision of 3,445,984 Patented May 27, 1969 a machine, as aforesaid, which can be quickly and easily adjusted to handle half-gallon containers, for example, after it has been handling gallon containers, and which can be similarly adjusted to fill containers having centrally located spouts after it has been filling containers having offset spouts, and which is capable of filling containers of various cross-sectional shapes and sizes.

A further object of this invention is to provide a machine, as aforesaid, in which all of the containers are supported on a single table, so that all the containers are advanced simultaneously, and in which a simple and durable drive mechanism is used to move the table.

A further object of this invention is to provide a machine, as aforesaid, in which the table overlies the drive structure of the machine and acts as a fluid-tight cover therefor.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to persons acquainted with machines of this type upon reading the following description and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a broken, front view of the container filling machine.

FIGURE 2 is a broken, top plan view of the infeed conveyor assembly.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view III-III of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of a fragment of an infeed conveyor.

FIGURES 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E are schematic views illustrating the stepwise movement of the containers along the table.

FIGURE 6 is a broken, sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 7A and 7B are schematic views illustrating the transfer of a container from an infeed conveyor onto the table.

FIGURE 8 is a broken, side elevational view of the table, grid and frame of the filling and capping assembly, with the side plates removed to expose the working parts and with the table moving structure omitted.

FIGURE 9 is a broken, sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary top view taken along the line X-X of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 11 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 12 is a top plan view of the table.

FIGURE 13 is a broken side view of the table.

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged side view of the actuating structure as seen from the opposite side thereof shown in FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 15 is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 16 is a sectional view taken along the line XVIXVI of FIGURE 6 and rotated degrees.

FIGURE 17 is a sectional view taken along the line XVIIXVII of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 18 is a sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIGURE 17.

FIGURE 19 is a sectional XIX-XIX of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 20 is a top plan view of the capping assembly.

FIGURE 21 is a broken, elevational view of the capping assembly as seen from the opposite side thereof appearing in FIGURE 19.

FIGURE 22 is a broken and central sectional view through a capping unit.

FIGURE 23 is a sectional XXIIIXXIII of FIGURE 10 taken along the line view taken along the line view taken along the line FIGURES 24A, 24B and 24C are schematic views illustrating the transfer of containers from the table onto the discharge conveyor.

FIGURE 25 is a sectional view taken along the line XXVXXV of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 26 is a schematic illustration of the electrical and pressure fluid control system of the machine.

FIGURE 27 is a schematic top plan view of a modified container infeed arrangement.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY Referring to FIGURE 1, the container filling and capping machine is comprised of an infeed conveyor assembly 11, a filling and capping section 12 and a discharge conveyor assembly 13. The filling and capping section 12 is comprised, in general, of a table 14 along which the containers are moved, a grid 16 disposed above the table and adapted for insuring the desired movement and spacing of the containers on the table, a tank assembly 17 which is adapted to hold the material, such as milk, for filling the containers, a solenoid assembly 18 for controlling the filling of the containers and a capping assembly 19 for applying caps to the filled containers.

For convenience in description, the terms infeed or left and discharge or right will have reference to the left and right ends of the filling and capping machines, or parts thereof, as appearing in FIGURES 1, 8 and 9. The terms front, rear, upper and lower will have reference to the machine and parts thereof as appearing in FIGURE 1, which shows the front side of the machine. The terms inner, outer and derivatives thereof will have reference to the geometric center of said machine and parts thereof.

INFEED CONVEYOR ASSEMBLY The infeed conveyor assembly 11 (FIGURES 1 and 2) is comprised of an elongated horizontal frame 21 which is supported at its input end by a pair of depending groundengaging legs, one of which appears at 25. The frame 21 can be constructed in any suitable manner and, in general, has a plurality of horizontal and vertical, metallic frame elements which are connected together in an elongated rectangular arrangement. The sides of the frame are covered by side sheets, such as the side sheet 20 (FIGURES 1 and 3).

The upper wall of the frame 21 is defined by a plurality of inverted, channel-shaped members 22 (FIGURE 3) which extend lengthwise of the frame and which are laterally spaced from each other to provide lengthwise extending slots 23 therebetween. The upper surfaces of the members 22 are substantially horizontal and coplanar. A plurality of endless, link-type conveyors 24 (FIGURES 2 and 4) are mounted on the frame 21 in side-by-side relation so that their horizontal upper reaches are disposed on and supported by the members 22. The upper reach of each conveyor 24 bridges the slot 23 between a pair of adjacent members 22 so that said conveyor is supported by both of said adjacent members. Also, the two sidewardmost conveyors 24 are of less width than the conveyors therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, five conveyors 24 are provided although it will be apparent that a greater or lesser number of conveyors can be used if desired.

Each of the conveyors 24 is comprised of a series of slots 26 (FIGURE 2) which are generally rectangular in plan view and which are disposed in abutting relation so that they collectively define an endless, linked belt having a substantially continuous and flat upper reach. The conveyors 24 may be of a substantially conventional type in which the slots 26 are pivotally interconnected by a coupling structure 27 (FIGURE 4) which provides a recess 29 adapted to receive the teeth of sprockets 31, for example. The coupling structures 27 on the slots 26 project downwardly through the slots 23 and they serve to guide lengthwise movement of the conveyors 24.

Drive sprockets 31 (FIGURES 1 and 2) are arranged on a common shaft 32 which is located at the discharge (rightward) end of the frame 21. The teeth on the drive sprockets 31 are engageable with the conveyor 24 to effect lengthwise movement thereof. Idler sprockets 35 (FIG- URE 1) are mounted in a similar fashion at the leftward end of the frame 21 and their teeth are adapted to engage the conveyors 24. The drive shaft 32 is driven by suitable drive means, such as a motor 33 and drive chain 34 which engages a further sprocket 36 on said drive shaft. Thus, energization of the motor 33 will effect movement of the conveyors 24 so that the upper reaches thereof move rightwardly (FIGURE 1) along the frame 21.

A plurality of laterally spaced, horizontally extending guide rods 41 extend lengthwise of the frame 21 and are spaced upwardly from the channel members 22. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five rods 41 (FIGURE 2) which define four paths A along which containers can be advanced by the conveyors 24 in side-by-side relation. The rods 41 are directly above the centerlines of the three innermost conveyors 24 so that portions of two adjacent conveyors 24 extend into each of the paths A. The guide rods 41 are secured at the leftward ends thereof to a crossrod 42 which is supported on the leftward end of said frame by the posts 43. Two further crossrods 44 and 46 are disposed above the frame 21 and above the guide rods 41 near the middle and at the rightward end, respectively, of said frame. The crossrods 44 and 46 are supported near their opposite ends by upright posts 47 whose lower ends are secured to the frame 21. The guide rods 41 are supported at the middle and at the rightward end thereof by hanger bars 48 (FIGURE 3) which are secured to and suspended from the crossrods 44 and 46. Four dirt shields 51 are supported upon the crossrods 44 and 46 so that they extend lengthwise of the frame 21 above the central and rightward portions of each of the four paths A along which the containers travel. Plate-like guide members 52 (FIGURES 1 and 3) are mounted on the crossrod 46 below the shields 51 and at the rightward end of the frame 21. The guide members 52 are vertically spaced from the upper reaches of the conveyors 24 a distance such that properly oriented containers can move therebeneath with a slight clearance between the members and the containers. Also, the members 52 prevent tipping of the containers as they approach the rightward (discharge) end of the infeed conveyor assembly and as they move onto the table 14 as hereinafter further described.

Four upright stop pins 53 (FIGURE 3) are movable upwardly through openings 54 in the members 22, said openings being located between the rightward ends of the conveyors 24 in the central portions of the paths A.

The stop pins 53 are secured to and extend upwardly from a horizontal and transverse lift bar 56 which is vertically movable. The lift bar 56 is connected by links 57, bell cranks 58, tie rods 59, a bracket 61 and a fitting 62 to the piston rod 63 of the pressure fluid operated cylinder 64. The end of the cylinder 64 remote from the piston rod 63 is pivotally supported upon and secured to the guide plate 67 along the lower side of the frame 21. Vertical movement of the bar 56 (FIGURE 3) is guided by the side plates 65 and 65A which engage the opposite ends of the bar 56. Thus, a supply of pressure fluid to the cylinder, whereby the piston rod 63 is extended, will raise the stop pins 53. When the stop pins 53 are raised, they engage the lower ends of the leading containers in the paths A and prevent further movement thereof even though the conveyors 24 continue to move and slide under the containers. When the stop pins 53 are lowered, the containers are then free to advance rightwardly, under the urging of the conveyors 24.

The lower reaches of the conveyors 24 (FIGURE 3) are supported upon the guide rods 66 and held beneath the guide plates 67. It will be understood that additional guides can be provided, if needed, in order to guide movement of the conveyors.

FILLING AND CAPPING SECTION Frame structure The filling and capping section 12 includes a main frame (FIGURES 1, '8 and 11) which is comprised of four upright standards 71, 72, 73 and 74. Standards 71 and 72 and standards 73 and 74 are longitudinally aligned with each other, respectively, while standards 71 and 73 and stnadards 72 and 74 are laterally aligned with each other. The standard 71 (FIGURE 11), for example, is comprised of a channel 76 which is enclosed by a thin channel-shaped cover sheet 77 and a cover plate 78. An adjustable leg 75 is secured to and extends downwardly from the lower end of the standard 71. The other three standards are preferably constructed in a manner similar to that described with respect to standard 71. The upper ends of the standards 71 and 72 are connected to the opposite ends of a tie rod 79, and a corresponding tie rod 79A (FIGURE 15) connects the upper ends of the standards 73 and 74.

A subframe 81 (FIGURE 11) is located within the Zone substantially defined by the standards 71-74, and said subframe is secured to and supported upon each of said standards by mounting hubs 82. The subframe 81 has additional mounting hubs 85 at the left end thereof and the adjacent end of the infeed conveyor assembly 11 is secured thereto. The discharge conveyor assembly 13 is secured to the subframe 81 by mounting hubs 90 at the right end thereof.

The subframe 81 is comprised of horizontal and vertical, metallic frame members which define a rectangular structure. More specifically, the subframe '81 has four upright corner posts 88, 89, 91 and 92, two upper lengthwise members 83 and 84, and two upper transverse members 86 and 87, the members 83, 84, 86 and 87 being secured at their ends to said posts. The subframe 81 has lower lengthwise and transverse members which are identified by the same reference numerals as said members 83, 84, 86 and 87, but with the sufiix A added thereto. The subframe 81 is disposed between the standards 71, 72, 73 and 74 so that the lower horizontal members are disposed near the lower ends of the standards and the upper horizontal members of said frame are disposed approximately midway between the upper and lower ends of said standards.

CONTAINER ADVANCING PROCEDURE Before describing the details of the table 14 and the grid 16, and in order to clarify the subsequent description, the functional relationship between the infeed conveyors 24, the table 14 and the grid 16 will now be described.

The upper surface of the table 14 is substantially parallel with and slightly higher than the upper surface of the conveyors 24. Thus, when the table 14 (FIGURE 7A) is in its leftwardmost position of movement, the leftward end of the table 14 is adjacent the posts 47 and overlies the conveyors 24. When the pins 53 are moved downwardly, the first row of containers is moved rightwardly by the conveyors 24 after which the left end of the table slides under the containers which are now on the rightward side of the pins 53. The members 52 prevent excessive tipping of the containers while said containers are moving from the infeed conveyors 24 onto the table 14. The grid 16 at this time is in its raised position. The table 14 is then moved rightwardly a selected distance (FIG- URE 7B) and the containers are moved rightwardly with the table. The containers which have thusly just left the conveyors 24 are now in a position between the first two pairs of rollers on the grid 16, and these containers can then be moved along the table in a stepwise fashion in a manner and by the means now to be described with reference to FIGURES 5A and 5E.

The containers C1 and C2 (FIGURE 5A) are positioned on the table 14 with the grid 16 lowered so that the rollers 143, 143A, 143B, 144, 144A and 144B are positioned on opposite sides of and between adjacent containers. In the first step of the container advancing opera tion, the grid 16 is raised to the position shown in FIG- URE 5B so that said grid will not obstruct the rightward movement of the containers. Then the table 14 is moved rightwardly (FIGURE 7B), thus advancing a container C2 (FIGURE SE) from the position between the rollers 143A, 144B, as shown in FIGURE 5C. The grid 16 is then lowered, as shown in FIGURE 5D, after which the table 14 is moved leftwardly to its original position. The grid 16 holds the containers against leftward movement with the table. In this fashion, the containers have been advanced one step along the table 14. The cycle can be repeated indefinitely to advance a constant supply of containers stepwise along the table in the same fashion.

THE TABLE AND THE ACTUATING STRUCTURE THEREFOR The table 14 (FIGURE 12) is comprised of an elongated flat sheet 106 which is rectangular in plan view and which has depending side flanges 107 and 108 (FIGURE 9) extending along its longitudinal edges. The flanges 107 and 108 are disposed outwardly of the upper horizontal members 83 and '84, respectively, of the subframe 81, and said flanges are adapted to slideably extend into telescoping relationship over the rightward end of the infeed conveyor assembly 11. Thus, the table 14 serves as a fluidtgiht cover for the subframe 81 and the parts mounted thereon. A plurality of lengthwise, parallel guide rails 109 (FIGURE 12) are supported above the table 14 by posts 110. The guide rails 109 are longitudinally aligned with the guide rails 41 on the infeed conveyor frame 21 so that the containers will be guided from the infeed conveyors onto and along the table 14. The guide rails 109 extend substantially the full length of the table 14 so that they hold the containers against transverse movement while on the table.

A pair of longitudinally spaced, switch actuators 111 and 112 (FIGURE 12) are arranged and supported upon the sheet 106 beneath the rails 109 (except for the front wardmost rail) so that they extend into the paths A along which the containers move. The switch actuators are spaced apart in a direction lengthwise of the table a distance equal to the distance the containers move during each advance thereof along the table. The switch actuators 111 and 112 control switches 111A and 112A (FIG- URES 8 and 26) which in turn are connected in circuit to the solenoid assembly 18 (FIGURES 1 and 26) for the purposes to be described hereinbelow. The switch actuators 111 and 112 are spring urged to the position shown in FIGURE 12 in which condition the switches 111A and 112A are open. The containers move the actuators 111 and 112 into positions in which they extend about parallel with the rails 109 and thereby close switches 111A and 112A.

Table guides 113 (FIGURES l3 and 19) are secured to the underside of the sheet 106 and they extend generally lengthwise of the table. There are four table guides 113 arranged in aligned pairs on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the table, two guides being disposed near each end of the table. Each of the guides has a lengthwise ridge 114 extending downwardly therefrom.

A pair of horizontal and parallel shafts 116 and 117 (FIGURE 11) extend between and are rotatably supported respectively by the uprights 88, 91 and the uprights 89, 92 of the subframe 81. Two pulleys 118 are rotatably mounted on and with respect to each of the shafts 116 and 117 adjacent the opposite ends thereof. The pulleys 118 are aranged in the same pattern and relative spacing as the table guides 113 and the peripheries of said pulleys are shaped to receive the guide ridges 114 whereby the table 14 is supported and guided by said pulleys for lengthwise movement.

An oscillatable drive unit 121 (FIGURE 9) includes a base 120, which is mounted on the subframe 81 and is operable to effect oscillation of a shaft 122, which supports a radial arm 123. A pitman 124 is pivotally connected to and extends between the arm 123 and a block 126, which is secured to the underside of the table 14. Cushions 127 and 128 (FIGURE 14) are mounted upon the actuator base 120 to cushion the plate 123 at the opposite ends of its travel. Also, the shaft 122 supports a switch actuator 129, which operates the limit switches 131 and 132 (FIGURES 9 and 26) at the ends of its travel, to terminate operation of the drive unit 121, and to reset it for the following movement in the reverse direction. Thus, the table 14 is moved back and forth in a lengthwise direction in response to operation of said drive unit 121.

It will be noted that the structure described above for effecting back-and-forth movement of the table 14 is arranged to operate so that each movement thereof starts slowly and progressively increases in speed, reaching its maximum rate during the middle portion of its travel. It then moves at a progressively slower rate as it approaches the end of its travel, as in the projection of a simple harmonic motion. Thus, the table is reciprocated with a minimum of abrupt movements or stops which could disturb the containers from their desired positions and impose undesirable shock loads on the operating structure of the table.

The table guides 113 are of sufficient length that the guide ridges 114 will extend into the peripheral grooves in the pulleys in all normal operating positions of the table in order to insure proper guiding of the table during its movement.

THE GRID AND THE ACTUATING STRUCTURE THEREFOR The grid 16 is comprised of a pair of outer rails 141 and 141A, and a pair of inner rails 142 and 142A, all of which extend parallel with each other lengthwise of the machine. The inner rails 142 and 142A are disposed inside of and closely adjacent the outer rails 141 and 141A, re spectively, and said inner rails are transversely spaced aparta distance such that four containers, which have a one-gallon capacity in one embodiment, can be received therebetween. A plurality of pairs of rollers 143 and 144 extend transversely between the rails and crosswise of the table 14. The rollers 144 are rotatably supported by and between the inner rails 142. The rollers 143 have reduced end portions 145 which extend through horizontally elongated slots 146 in the inner rails 142 so that the outer ends of said rollers 143 can be rotatably mounted on the outer rails 141. The end roller 143D is positioned beyond the longitudinal ends of the inner rails 142 and 142A so that it does not extend through said inner rails.

The grid 16 is arranged so that the rollers 143 and 144 in each adjacent pair thereof can be moved close together and thereby occupy a minimum of space between adjacent rows of large size containers, such as gallon milk containers. The inner rails 142 and 142A and the rollers 144 mounted thereon can be moved lengthwise of the table 14 and with respect to the rails 141, 141A and rollers 143 in order to reduce the space in which the containers can be received and thereby adapt the machine to handle containers of lesser width, such as half-gallon milk containers.

In this embodiment, the rollers 143 can be releasably locked in either of two positions with respect to the rollers 144 by engagement of one of the latches 147 and 148 (FIGURE 16) on the latch arm 149, which is pivotally mounted upon the reduced portion 145 of the roller 143E, with the adjacent part of the roller 144E, for example. The latches 147 and 148 are mounted by bolts 150 and 150A, respectively, upon the arm 149 for small, accurate adjustment lengthwise thereof.

As indicated above, the grid 16 is mounted for vertical reciprocation which is accomplished by mechanism mainly located under the table 14 or in the columns of space defined within the standards 71, 72, 73 and 74. Each of the said Standards, such as the standard 71, has in the web 155 thereof a vertically elongated slot 151 terminating at its upper end near the tie rod 79 and at its lower end adjacent the table 14. Preferably, the ends of said slot 151 are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between the upper and lower positions of the grid 16. A guide 152 (FIGURES l7 and 18) secured to the inner side of standard 71 has a vertical slot 152A which is substantially coextensive with the slot 151. A grid guide block 153 is secured to the adjacent side of the rail 141 at the end of roller 143E and extends through the slot 152A and slot 151 into the standard 71. The guide block 153 is closely guided within the slot 152A so that the grid 16 can move vertically without rocking or tilting the grid.

The standard 71 (FIGURE 8) has a pair of vertically spaced sprockets 156 and 157 rotatably mounted upon the web 155. An endless chain 158 encircles and is drivingly engaged with the sprockets 156 and 157. The grid guide block 153 (FIGURE 18) is releasably clamped to the adjacent reach of the chain 158 by a clamp 159 whereby the chain 158 must move when the grid is raised or lowered.

The lower sprocket 156 in the standard 71 is secured to the shaft 116 for rotation therewith, and said shaft 116 extends through a suitable opening in the mounting hub 82 (FIGURE 11) where it is secured to and rotates a drive sprocket 161.

The standards 72, 73 and 74 are preferably provided with slots 151, guide blocks 153, sprockets 156, 157, chains 158 and the other associated parts in about the same manner as described above with respect to the standard 71.

The sprocket 161 and a corresponding sprocket 162 on shaft 117 are drivingly engaged with a chain 163. One

4 end of the chain 163 is connected to one end of a doubleacting piston rod 164, and the other end of said chain 163 is connected to the other end of said piston rod 164, which extends from both ends of a power cylinder 166. Movement of said piston rod 164 in one direction or the other effects corresponding movement of the chain 163 and thereby effects simultaneous rotation of all of the lower sprockets 156 in the same direction. The sprockets 156 act as drive sprockets for the chains 158 and are adapted to move same simultaneously in order to raise and lower the grid 16 while maintaining a constant, horizontal position thereof. The cylinder 166 is mounted on the subframe 81 and is arranged so that the piston rod 164 moves in a lengthwise direction with respect to the machine. The upper sprockets 157 in the standards 71 to 74 are idler sprockets and they are supported for free rotation by adjustment means to adjust the tension of the chains 158.

The chain 158 in the standard 71 (FIGURE 8) is coupled by means of a clamp 170 to a vertical control tube 171 for effecting vertical movement of said tube which is sleeved upon, and guided for vertical movement by, a rod 172. The control tube supports a first switch actuator 173 which operates the limit switches 174 and 176 as the grid 16 reaches the upper and lower limits, respectively, of its travel. The control tube 171 supports a second switch actuator 178 which operates a switch 177 slightly before the grid 16 reaches the upper limit of its travel, for purposes to be described hereinafter.

TANK ASSEMBLY A tank 191 (FIGURE 15) for holding the material with which the containers are filled is supported upon crossrods 194 which extend between and are secured to the tie rods 79 and 79A. The tank 191 has mounting brackets 192 attached, as by welding, to the side walls of the tank adjacent the lower end thereof. The brackets 192 are releasably secured to tabs 193 on the lengthwise extending tie rods 79 and 79A. The position of the tank 191 can be adjusted lengthwise of the table 14 by providing lengthwise slots in the tabs 193. Such adjustment permits adaptation of the machine for filling containers having either center-type spouts or offset pouring spouts.

The tank 191 has two transverse rows of filling heads 196 (FIGURES 1 and 15) extending downwardly therefrom, there being four heads in each row in this instance so that four containers moving abreast on the table 14 along the paths A can be simultaneously positioned in the filling station beneath a filling head. The centerline distance between the two rows of heads in this embodiment is at least equal to the minimum distance required to move a group of containers, of the largest size to be filled, in a step-by-step movement along the table 14. However, it will be apparent that the spacing between the two rows of spouts could be a larger whole number multiple of this distance, if desired. Also, more rows of heads 196 and larger or lesser numbers of heads per row may be used, if desired. In fact, the machine can be adapted for filling by a single row of heads arranged transversely of the machine, as are the two rows disclosed.

In the illustrated embodiment, each container is moved from beneath a head in one row to the same position in the next row. While in each filling position, the container receives half of the total volume of the material to be placed in each container. It will be understood, however, that the containers can be completely filled in one filling operation, in which case only one row of spouts would be required, or the machine would be arranged to advance the containers two rows at a time. Alternatively, the containers can be filled by quarters or thirds, etc., in which case additional rows of heads would be used. Dirt shields extend lengthwise along and are spaced above the table 14 to prevent contaminants from entering the containers as they are being filled. These shields may be suspended from the heads 196 or part of the frame structure above the table.

Each filling head 196 (FIGURE 15) has a valve associated therewith for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve structure comprises a vertically reciprocable rod 195 having a valve head 197 sealingly engageable with a valve seat 198. The valve rod 195 extends upwardly through the tank 191 where it is connected to a solenoid 199' mounted on the upper wall of the tank 191. The valve rod 195 is operated by the armature of the solenoid 199 to open and close the valve. The coil of each solenoid 199 is in series with one of the switches 111A and 112A controlled by the switch actuator 111 and 112, respectively. The actuators 111 and 112 are positioned so that a container must be properly located within the filling position beneath the corresponding filling head before the solenoid can be energized. Thus, if no container is located beneath a particular head, the associated solenoid 199 will not be energized and no fluid will be discharged through its associated head. However, once the solenoid is energized, it will remain energized for a selected period of time so that the desired volume of fluid will be discharged into the container directly below its associated head. That is, the illustrated machine is arranged for time-rate filling rather than volumetric filling, but the invention can readily and satisfactorily be adapted for either type.

Each head 196 has an antifoaming head 200 mounted on the lower end thereof to prevent foaming of the fluid as it flows into the container. The antifoaming head can be the same as that disclosed tion Ser. No. 418,987 and, hence, does not need to be described in detail herein.

The level of the liquid in the tank 191 may be controlled by a float 201 which rests on the upper surface of the fluid. A vertically extending rod 202 is connected to and extends upwardly from the float through the upper wall of the tank 191. The rod 202 is arranged to actuate a control valve 203 whose output is connected to the actuating mechanism of an adjustable throttle valve 204 whereby to control the setting of said throttle valve. The throttle valve 204 is connected in a conduit 206 through which the fluid to be dispensed flows into the tank 191 from a source, whereby the setting of the throttle valve in my US. patent applica- 10 204 determines the rate of filling of the tank 191 with the fluid. The conduit 206 is connected to a main fluid supply tank (not shown) or other equivalent source of fluid under a hydrostatic head.

The entire reservoir or tank assembly 17 is constructed and arranged, in this particular embodiment, to operate in accordance with the teachings of US. Patent No. Re. 23,830 in order that predetermined volumes of fluid can be dispensed rapidly through the heads in a selected period of time with a high degree of accuracy. By using the antifoaming head 200, the filling is accomplished with a minimum. of splashing and foaming.

CAPPING ASSEMBLY The capping assembly 19 (FIGURES l9 and 20) is comprised of a horizontal support plate 211 which is secured to and supported above the outer rails 141, 141A of the grid 16 by upright support posts 212, whereby said capping assembly 19 moves upwardly and downwardly with the grid. Four capping units 213 are affixed to the plate 211 and arranged in transverse staggered relation, as illustrated in FIGURE 20. Each capping unit is arranged directly above the centerline between a pair of adjacent guide rails 109 on the table 14 so that it can apply a cap to the upwardly projecting neck of a container when same is positioned beneath said capping unit. However, the plate 211 can be adjusted lengthwise of the grid 16 to adapt the capping function to either center-type spouts or offset pouring spouts.

The capping units 213 are preferably identical and may be substantially the same as the capping unit disclosed in my copending application, Ser. No. 571,831, now abandoned. Each capping unit 213 is comprised of a cylindrical cap sleeve 216 which extends upwardly through a recess in the support plate 211 and which is adapted to hold a supply of snap-type caps in this instance. A capping body 217 is disposed below the support plate 213 and is secured thereto by a bolt 214. The lower end of the sleeve 216 is slideably received into the central opening 215 of the capping body 217. A reciprocable shuttle 218 is movable transversely below the lower end of the central opening 2'15 for moving the lowermost cap in said opening transversely into a recess 219. The lower end of the recess 219 is open and it is adapted to receive the neck of a container as the support plate 211 moves downwardly with the grid 16. The cap is releasably retained in the recess 219 until said cap is pressed onto the neck of the container when the support plate 211 reaches its lowermost position. Thereafter, when the support plate 211 is moved upwardly with the grid 16, the cap is held on the neck of said container by friction, and said cap and said container move away from the capping unit.

A pair of links 221 and 222 (FIGURES 19 and 21) are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the shuttle 218 and to the lower ends of a pair of arms 223 and 224, respectively. The upper ends of the arms 223 and 224 are aflixed to the opposite ends of a shaft 225 which is rotatably mounted in the capping body 217. A crescentshaped actuator 226 (FIGURE 21) is secured to the arm 224 and extends below the capping body 217 for engagement with the top wall of a container positioned therebelow. Thus, as the capping body approaches the lower limit of its travel, the actuator 226 engages the container and is moved sidewardly thereby so that the shuttle 218 (FIGURE 22) is moved from a position adjacent recess 219 to a position adjacent opening 215.

A second actuator 227 (FIGURE 19) is provided on the arm 223 and it is engageable by a downwardly extending bar 228 rigidly secured to the crossrod 229. As the capping unit 213 approaches the upper end of its travel, the actuator engages the bar 228 and causes the shuttle 218 to be moved from adjacent the opening 217 (FIGURE 22) to a position adjacent the recess 219, whereby a cap is moved from said opening into said recess. Thus, the actuators 226 and 227 effect reciprocation of said shuttle 218 during each complete cycle of vertical movement of said capping unit in order to feed a cap into the recess 219, providing a new container is in position beneath the unit to receive the cap with each such stroke. The crossbar 229 extends between and is supported above and by the tie rods 79 and 79A. It will be noted that two openings 231 are provided in the support plate 211 so that the bars 228 can extend through said openings for engagement with the actuators 227 of the two capping units which are not in line with the other two units.

DISCHARGE CONVEYOR ASSEMBLY The discharge conveyor assembly 13 (FIGURE 1) is comprised of a frame 231 which is fixedly secured to the subframe 81 by mounting hubs 90. A conveyor 233 is mounted on said frame and the upper reach of said conveyor extends forwardly from adjacent the rearward and rightward edge of the table 14. The conveyor 233 is preferably constructed and driven in about the same fashion as the conveyors 24 and, hence, a detailed description thereof is not essential.

Briefly, the frame 231 (FIGURE has a pair of lengthwise extending guide rails 234 and 236 mounted along the right side of the conveyor 233. The guide rail 234 is spaced from the end of the table and extends crosswise of the table so that the capped containers which are moved off the table are engaged by said guide rail and are thereby held on the conveyor 233. A further guide rail 237 is provided on the left side of the conveyor 233 parallel with and spaced from the guide rail 236 so that the containers moving along the conveyor 233 are received between and guided by the guide rails 236 and 237.

The guide rails 234, 236 and 237 (FIGURE 10) are pivotally mounted on the frame 231 by articulated posts 238 (FIGURE 23), the upper parts of which can be pivoted between an upright position and a tilted position in which they are inclined toward each other and extend over the conveyor 233. Thus, the spacing between the guide rails can be adjusted whereby the discharge conveyor assembly can be adapted for handling containers of smaller width while assuring a closely guided movement of the containers. In order to place the guide rails 234, 236 and 237 in either of the two positions referred to above, the upper part of each post 238 is provided with a pin 241 which is slidably received in a notch 242 in the upper end of the lower part of the post, the upright walls of the notch serving as stops to limit the pivotal movement of the guide rail.

Referring to FIGURE 24A, the table 14 has a planar extension 14A which, in the rightwardmost position of the table, is positioned directly above the discharge conveyor 233. The containers supported on the extension 14A are held between the endmost roller 143D on the grid 16 and the guide rail 234. Thus, when the table 14 is moved leftwardly (FIGURE 24B), the container drops onto the conveyor 233. The grid 16 is then raised (FIG- UR'E 24C), as previously described, and the table is again moved rightwardly to position the next container or group of containers over the conveyor, the grid is lowered and the cycle is repeated.

CODING ASSEMBLY A coding assembly 244 (FIGURE 1) is positioned between the infeed conveyors 24 and the standards 71 and 72. The coding assembly 244 (FIGURE is comprised of a crossbar 246 supported on and above the grid 16 by uprights 247, which are secured at their lower ends to the outer rails 141, 141A of said grid. Four coding units 248 are mounted and spaced at intervals along the crossbar 246 and extend downwardly therefrom for engagement with the top walls of the containers moved along paths A. The coding units are adapted to print or emboss data on said top walls. Spring-biased detent rods 249 are associated with the coding units 248 in order to prevent movement of the containers while the coding Cir operation is being performed. A shield 251 is mounted on the crossbar 246 in order to prevent contaminants from entering the containers during this portion of their travel through the machine.

OPERATION While the operation of the machine can be determined from the preceding description thereof, the operation will be briefly repeated with particular reference to the schematic, simplified electrical and pressure fluid diagram illustrated in FIGURE 26 to insure a clear understanding of the invention.

The switches .131 and 132 have armatures connected to a source of electrical potential. Switch 131 is closed when the table is in its leftwardmost position (FIGURE 7A), for receiving a row of containers, and switch 132 is closed when the table is in its rightwardmost position (FIG- URES 7B and 24A) discharging containers.

The containers to be filled are placed on the conveyors 24 (FIGURE 2) and are moved thereby up to the pins 53 (FIGURE 3). The pins 53 are lowered only when the grid 16 is substantially raised and the table 14 is in its leftwardmost position. For this purpose, a valve 261 (FIGURE 26) is connected to a suitable pressure fluid source 260 and to the opposite ends of the cylinder 64 (FIGURE 3) by the conduits 262 and 263. Said valve 261 is adapted to control the flow of pressure fluid to the cylinder 64 to raise and lower said pins 53. The valve 261 has conventional control means, such as solenoids 264 and 266, for directing the flow of pressure fluid alternately to conduits 262 and 263. Solenoid 264 is connected in series with switch 177 and switch 131 whereby solenoid 264 is energized and pressure fluid is supplied to cylinder 64 to lower the pins 53. Thus, the pins '53 are lowered only when the grid 16 has been raised to a position where the switch .177 (FIGURE 8) is closed by the actuator 178 near the upper end of its travel.

A solenoid valve 267 is connected by conduits 268 and 269 to the drive unit 121 so that the table 14 can be moved back and forth by supplying pressure fluid alternately through the conduits 268 and 269. The valve 267, which is connected to the source 260 of pressure fluid has solenoids 271 and 272 for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. Solenoid 271 is connected in series with switch 174 and switch 131 whereby the valve 267 directs fluid to the drive 121 for moving the table 14 rightwardly. Since switch v174 is closed only when the grid 16 is in its raise dposition, the table 14 can be moved rightwardly only at that time. Solenoid 272 is connected in series with switch 176 and a time delay 270 whereby the valve 267 directs fluid to move the table 14 leftwardly. Since switch 176 is closed only when the grid is in its lowered position, the table 14 can be moved leftwardly only at that time. The switch 176 is connected in series with switch .132.

The solenoid 266 is connected in series with switch 174 and switch 131 so that the pins 53 are raised when the grid reaches its raised position. Thus, the pins 53 are lowered for a short period of time, only, when the table is in its leftwardmost position and while the grid is approaching its raised position.

A solenoid valve 273 is connected to the source 260 and by conduits 274 and 276 to the cylinder 166 so that the grid 16 can be raised and lowered by alternately supplying pressure fluid to the conduits 274 and 276. Solenoid 277 is connected in series with switch 131 whereby fluid is directed to raise the grid 16 when the table is in its leftwardmost position, Solenoid 278 is connected in series with switch 132 whereby fluid is directed to lower the grid when the table is in its rightwardmost position.

Commencing with the table 14 in its rightward position and a group of containers on the conveyors 24, the lead or rightward container in each path A is stopped by a pin 53. Thus, when the table 14 is moved leftwardly, the switch 131 is closed and solenoid 277 is actuated whereby the grid 16 is raised. As the grid approaches the upper limit of its travel, the switch 177 is closed, whereby solenoid 264 is actuated and pins 53 are lowered to permit the first row of containers to advance toward the table 14. Shortly thereafter, the switch 174 is closed and actuates solenoid 2-66 which causes the pins to be raised and thereby prevent leftward movement of the containers as the left end of the table slides under said first row of containers. Solenoid 266 also actuates solenoid 271 which then causes the table to be moved to the rightward end of its travel and close switch 132 whereby solenoid 278 is actuated and the grid 16 is lowered. When the grid reaches its lowered position, switch 176 is closed, solenoid 272 is actuated, the delay 270 times out and the table is moved leftwardly, whereupon the cycle can repeat. The time delay 270 delays the leftward shifting of the table a selected, preferably adjustable, time to permit the containers to be filled.

The containers are advanced along the table 14 in a stepped movement as previously described. When they are positioned under the first row of heads 196, the switches 111A are closed and the solenoids 19 9' are actuated so that the containers are partially filled. The containers are then moved under the next row of heads where they close the switches 112A and the filling of the containers is completed.

The containers then advance to the capping station where caps are applied, after which the filled and capped containers are moved onto the discharge conveyor.

MODIFICATION FIGURE 27 illustrates a modification of the structure for feeding empty containers to the machine. The containers C are moved along a conveyor 301 against a stop wall 302 on a first transfer member 303 which is adapted to move a plurality, here four, of containers against an upright wall 304 on a stationary table 306. The said group of four containers is then moved by a second transfer member 307 against a stationary plate 308 in a loading zone at the end of the table 306. A third transfer member 309 then moves the group of containers onto the table 14B, which is in its leftward position. The guide rails 312 on the table separate the containers, and the table 14B reciprocates with the transfer member 303.

The table 14B is then moved rightwardly and the transfer member 309 is retracted. In the next succeeding loading cycle, a vertically reciprocable grid (not shown) is moved to its lowered position in which it engages the containers previously placed on the table to prevent leftward movement thereof with the table 14B. The table 14B and the grid (not shown) can be the same as described in the preceding embodiment.

While particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes, the invention contemplates such changes and modifications as lie within the scope of the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A machine for simultaneously filling a plurality of upwardly opening containers with a fluid material, comprising:

a frame;

container support means mounted upon said frame for substantially horizontal reciprocating movement and adapted to support a plurality of containers arranged along parallel adjacent paths on said table; first actuating means connected to said support means for effecting said reciprocating movement;

container-engaging means relatively movable vertically with respect to said container support means into and out of a selected position for holding said containers against movement with said container support means when same is moved in one direction so that the containers are advanced along said paths;

actuating means applying caps to said containers after they have advanced past said discharge heads.

3. A machine according to claim 1, including guide means on said container support means defining said paths along which the containers are advanced intermittently from one position to the next as a result of said reciprocating movement; and

switch means closed by each container as it moves into filling position .below said discharge head, said switch means being in series with the third actuating means for such discharge head.

4. A machine according to claim 1, in which said container support means comprises a flat, horizontal table and a plurality of circular members supporting said table for reciprocating movement in a direction parallel with said paths.

5. A machine according to claim 4, in which said relative movement of said engaging means is responsive to said reciprocating movement of said support means.

6. A machine according to claim 1, in which said container-engaging means comprises a horizontal grid disposed above said container support means, grid support means mounted for movement with respect to said container support means. said grid having elongated container-engaging elements extending transversely of said paths and receivable between adjacent containers in each path to prevent movement of said containers when said container support means is moved in one direction.

'7. A machine according to claim 6, in which said container support means is a flat, horizontal table and said grid comprises rails extending lengthwise of said paths above the opposite lengthwise edges of said table, said container-engaging elements being arranged in plural parallel pairs extending between said rails; and

means for positioning the elements of each pair at selectable distances to adjust the spacing between pairs.

8. A machine according to claim 7, in which there are two parallel rails adjacent each side of the grid, one element in each pair being mounted on the inner rails and the other element in each pair being mounted on the outer rails, said inner rails having lengthwise elongated slots through which said other elements extend;

means for moving said inner rails lengthwise relative to said outer rails; and

means for releasably securing said inner rails in selected positions with respect to said outer rails.

9. A machine according to claim 4, in which said container-engaging means is a substantially rectangular grid;

wherein said frame includes four upright standards located substantially at the corners of and outwardly of said grid; and

wherein said second actuating means including vertically movable elements mounted on said standards and connected to said grid near the corners thereof, and drive means for effecting simultaneous vertical movement of said elements.

10. A machine according to claim 9, in which said vertically movable elements comprise endless chains, 21 pair of sprockets mounted on each standard and engaging said claims, one sprocket of each pair being a driving sprocket, and said drive means effects simultaneous rotation of said sprockets. 

